Getting started....

[Jono.]

Evening all. I wrote an introduction earlier as I only joined this forum today after reading an article and this being mentioned as the best place to find answers and meet a great bunch of like minded people.

I'm looking to get started stalking this years as it's been way too long since the last time I was out and about (over 10 years ago).
So basically what I'm asking is if anyone near the Hertfordshire area (I'm in St Albans) needs a hand in return for some mentoring? I'll do what ever you need as long as I'm learning. I hunted in South Africa where I grew up and have done some air rifle hunting here in the UK for rabbits, squirrel, pigeon etc but realise stalking is a very different ball game and would like to do it right first time and learn the way it's done here. I'm very reliable and trustworthy, I work full time but can take days off if week days are what it takes. I will be doing the DSC1 as soon as possible as well.

If anyone is able to offer their knowledge and is willing to help me out that would be great and I won't let you down, I'll even do the driving when/if you don't fancy it.

Thanks for the great forum and wealth of information here, I know I'll be having many a late night reading all I can.

Best regards
Jono

 

[Jolyon2112]

Hi Jono, I was in the same situation a year ago. My advise is do DSC1 as soon as possible and try to do it locally. You'll hopefully meet experienced hunters as I did and they'll point you in the right direction. I found that joining a local rifle club helps. Guys who shoot .22 rim fire for fun at the range, also hunt, or used to hunt and still have contacts.
I ended up paying to join a team. Expensive but well worth it. making contacts when you're in the system is what it's all about. Trust is the commodity.

Wishing you the best of luck mate. Stick with it and you're dedication will eventually pay off.

Jolyon

 

[Jono.]

Hi Jolyon, cheers for the reply. Yeah I intend on doing my dsc1 as soon as funds allow which will probably be towards the end of next week (that's when I'll be able to book it anyway). Just looking for somewhere local-ish for the reasons you mentioned. Thanks for the tips and I'll be sure to keep you posted on how it goes.

Best regards
Jono

 

[Jolyon2112]

I booked a couple of stalks with Sikamalc from this site. Didn't get a deer but the knowledge gained was priceless . Good bloke and his colleagues were great guys. He's in Surrey/Kent but I bet he can recommend someone closer to you . Not excessive cash either. I'd PM him if I were you .

Jolyon

 

[Jono.]

Thanks mate. Really appreciate that.

I still need to get my FAC sorted in the future, the getting started in the process is quite allot to take in but I'll manage.
First thing to do is get my Dsc1 sorted, then go from there.

 

[Dover dude]

I can highly recommend sikamalc had my first stalk a week ago first stalk first shot deer dropped to the shot amazing feeling amazing gentleman can't wait to out again soon. Real soon

 

[Jono.]

Thanks for the recommendations, I think I'll be in contact with him soon.

Thanks again.

 

[Erik Hamburger]

Jono I have emailed you a doc 'How to find stalking land'
Get the DSC1 done asap
I have not stalked with Sicamalc but he has recently been in communication with me to help me with another issue - he seems to be very highly appreciated by all who know him and now also by me.

 

[Munty1]

Jono,
We have four culling weekends coming up and are In Baldock. We have about eight hunters each weekend who come from Iceland, lithuania and from all over the UK. If you wish to join us please do. You can come and watch and just give us a hand. There will be not cost. Pm me with a email address.

Best wishes Paul

 

[hogey]

Jono,
We have four culling weekends coming up and are In Baldock. We have about eight hunters each weekend who come from Iceland, lithuania and from all over the UK. If you wish to join us please do. You can come and watch and just give us a hand. There will be not cost. Pm me with a email address.

Best wishes Paul

Thats a great offer and a good way to learn the ropes

 

[Roedeer 1962]

Thats really good of you Paul ......... hope he takes up your offer

 

[Jono.]

Paul thank you so much, pm on the way.

 

[Roedeer 1962]

Your a lucky boy JONO

 

[Jono.]

I know Roedeer, amazing offer and I'll definitely absorb as much info as I can. Feeling very grateful right now

 

[Roedeer 1962]

Let us all know how you get on jono regards danny

 

[Jono.]

Yeah I will do Danny.
Regards Jono